Haemophilus Influenzae Infection

Haemophilus influenzae, or H.influenzae, is representative of a set of bacteria that can cause infections in children (healthsystem.virginia.edu). It is not the virus that causes the flu (textbookofbacteriology.net). The bacteria are normally harbored in nearly 75 percent of healthy people as part of normal flora in the body (textbookofbacteriology.net). They cause ear, eye and sinus infections, and pneumonia (healthsystem.virginia.edu). This article will give a brief overview of the bacteria, examine how they spread and the illnesses they cause, and medical developments regarding H.influenzae.

Types

• Along with the basic H.Influenzae strain, there is a more dangerous one called H.influenzae type b, or Hib (healthsystem.virginia.edu). The Hib strain is not common anymore due to implementation of the Hib vaccine, which came about in 1988 (healthsystem.virginia.edu). If a child did not complete the series of Hib vaccines, however, she might still be at risk for Hib-related illnesses.

Transmission

• The H.influenzae bacteria are present in the upper respiratory tract, and are usually spread by contact with an infected person, or by bacteria droplets in the air from a sneeze (healthsystem.virginia.edu).

Symptoms

• Since H.influenzae can cause various illnesses, the symptoms of infection vary with each illness. Symptoms of otitis media (ear infection) include difficulty sleeping, tugging at one or both ears, ear pain, hearing difficulties, diarrhea and congestion (healthsystem.virginia.edu). A sinus infection may manifest itself as a runny nose lasting more than 10 days, cough, fever and swelling around the eyes (healthsystem.virginia.edu). Epiglottitis and meningitis are linked to the Hib virus, and are rarely seen.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosing H.influenzae may be done in a variety of ways. The physician will examine the child, and a diagnosis will be made based on clinical exam, any cultures of fluid taken, blood tests, a chest X-ray, or simply based on symptoms that are reported (healthsystem.virginia.edu). Treatment depends on what illness is diagnosed, the age of the patient, medication tolerance and patient preference.

Prevention

• The most important prevention with this bacteria is that against H.influenzae type b, as this is the kind that causes the more serious illnesses. Vaccination is the most effective mode of prevention. Since the vaccine was introduced in 1988, cases of Hib infection have decreased more than 99 percent in frequency (childrenshospital.org). If you have any questions about your child's vaccinations, it is best to talk to your pediatrician about the Hib vaccine series, or any illnesses related to H.influenzae.